The US economy added only 156,000 jobs in September, the US Department of Labor announced on Friday, a figure likely to be seized on as the presidential race enters its final stretch. The unemployment rate was 5%, up from 4.9% in August.

The US economy added a robust 255,000 jobs in July, the Department of Labor announced on Friday, shaking off economic headwinds that had been expected to make the jobs market stumble.The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.9%.

Back in 2012, the first Friday of the month was an exciting day in US politics. As Barack Obama and Mitt Romney fought to convince voters that they’d be the best candidate to steer the US economy through recovery, the official monthly jobs report provided both sides with ammunition.

The US economy added only 156,000 jobs in September, the US Department of Labor announced on Friday, a figure likely to be seized on as the presidential race enters its final stretch. The unemployment rate was 5%, up from 4.9% in August.